Day 3: Positivity from Our Coolest Iron Man

## Struggle and Recovery

Robert Downey Jr., famously known as Iron Man, shares his journey of overcoming a 30-year-long battle with drug addiction. Despite the challenges, he believes that the door to Iron Man isn't entirely closed. His story is one of resilience and hope, showing that even at rock bottom, recovery and love are possible.

- "It's easy to embrace hopelessness when things seem insurmountable, and yet it's actually just a matter of time until all the elements come together for things to be all right."

- "By the time you're in prison, that's not rock bottom for you? Nope."

## Persistence and Hope

Downey emphasizes the importance of persistence in overcoming difficult situations. He never gave up, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Today, he proudly states that he has no desire to return to drugs, highlighting that the real challenge lies in making the decision to change.

- "I believe that most difficult situations will resolve themselves if you are persistent and if you don't give up entirely."

- "I have not even an inkling of a desire [to do drugs]. It's not that difficult to overcome these seemingly ghastly problems."

## Life's Synchrony

Reflecting on his life, Downey notes that his portrayal of Iron Man was more than just a role; it mirrored his real-life quirks and destiny. He believes in the concept of life's invisible thread, which gently guides us through intuition and timely action. This synchronicity has played a significant role in his journey.

- "Life is funny because I was doing this before I ever got fitted for the RT."

- "I always think of it as like this little super thin invisible thread. You can feel the tug and you just kind of have to be really gentle."

## New Beginnings

After a 12-year journey as Iron Man, Downey is excited about new projects and experiences. He kicked off the year by appearing on the Joe Rogan Experience, embracing a fresh chapter in his life. His passion for movies, creativity, music, and culture continues to inspire him, keeping him engaged and motivated.

- "I know I've just retired my jersey on this 12-year journey I've been on."

- "I'm going to go have the Joe Rogan experience and kick off this year and this season and this new chapter by doing what I love."

## Kindness and Humility

Despite his fame and fortune, Downey remains humble and kind. He recounts a heartwarming story where he made time to attend a fan's birthday party at the height of his career. This act of kindness underscores his genuine nature and willingness to connect with his fans.

- "Even though he has a whole lot of money, even though he's Iron Man, dude, here's the deal, he's still nice."

- "My daughter loves Iron Man. If you've got time, you know what I'm saying, you know, if you could stop by."

## Confidence and Change

Downey talks about the importance of confidence, understanding that it is ever-changing. He likens life to the wind, constantly shifting and requiring us to adapt. Holding on too tightly to confidence can be an illusion; instead, we should embrace change and remain flexible.

- "It's great to be in full possession of what you would call supreme confidence and then see what happens if you don't hold on to it so hard."

- "The wind is so at your back that you're like, wow, are you just jumping over the waves and all that by yourself and you're like, you bet I am."

## Taking Action

Knowing your daily actions is crucial, whether in front of a camera or in everyday life. Downey stresses the importance of showing up, being honest, listening, and learning. He advocates for focusing on the essential aspects of life while allowing the rest to ebb and flow naturally.

- "Knowing your action is crucial because then when you come in the morning confident or when you come in the morning you can't hit your ass with both hands, you know what to do."

- "I want to pick the five or seven things that I definitely want to hold on to and I want to watch the rest of it go in and out with the tides."

## Final Thoughts

Downey concludes with a message of positivity, encouraging us to smile through challenges. Life may have its ups and downs, but maintaining a positive outlook and embracing change can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding journey.

- "Smile though your heart is aching, even though it's breaking."

- "Life never encourages taking a break. Confidence comes from knowing where you're at and what you're fighting for."